Earning a Negotiation and Conflict Management degree makes it possible for you to resolve issues in various aspects of your job. Whether you’re in business, law, or another industry, such a degree can help you immensely. We’ll share with you the top schools to offer such a degree.
Top 5 Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia |
| 2 | University of Texas-Austin | Austin, Texas |
| 3 | George Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia |
| 4 | Portland State University | Portland, Oregon |
| 5 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | Carson, California |
Understanding an Education in Negotiation and Conflict Management
There are several ways to get an education in Negotiation and Conflict Management. In most instances, schools will offer a master’s degree program in this area. Depending on the school, you’ll earn either an MA or an MS.
In order to get accepted into a Negotiation and Conflict Management degree program, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in a similar background. Such degrees that will be considered include a BA or BS in Business Management, Pre-Law, Public Affairs, or similar degrees.
Additionally, it’s important to note that many of the degree programs offered will call the degree by different names, including Peace & Conflict Studies.
Career Options for a Degree in Negotiation & Conflict Management
A variety of careers are available to you when you have a degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management. You will learn a variety of skills having to do with persuasion, problem-solving, and reasoning. You may choose to work as a mediator or an arbitrator or go into coaching and other careers.
By entering an area of law where you could work as an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that you could earn a median salary of $63,930 per year. Should you go on to earn a master’s degree, you can explore various other careers as well as higher salaries.
Learn about the top schools where you can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Negotiation & Conflict Management. We’ve ranked the schools based on the most affordable tuition and the highest enrollment rates, making it easier for you to choose. Each school has unique qualities to ensure you get a great education.
Best 18 Schools for Negotiation & Conflict Management
Kennesaw State University
It’s possible to earn a Master of Science in Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Students will learn about how to approach complex problems of every kind, including interpersonal and international. The master’s program can be taken on either the Kennesaw or the Marietta campus. Additionally, students have the ability to earn their BS at the university before entering the graduate program.
school overview
University of Texas-Austin
The University of Texas-Austin offers a variety of options within the Moody College of Communication. Students who get a degree in Communication Studies can also take advantage of the Graduate Portfolio Certificate in Dispute Resolution. The university offers a full project on conflict resolution, offering a variety of options for students to explore. Students must take at least four graduate courses to participate, with at least one covering dispute resolution theory or general conflict.
school overview
George Mason University
An MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution is available at George Mason University. Students will be able to learn about resolution theory, practical techniques, and the ethical perspectives involved. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in laboratory simulations, workshops, and field practice. A variety of internships are also available to help students jumpstart their careers.
school overview
Portland State University
A graduate program in Conflict Resolution is available at Portland State University. The graduate certificate is a one-year program for those who already hold a master’s degree. The program will provide theoretical, methodological, and conceptional ways to develop expertise in the area of conflict resolution. In addition to the graduate certificates, students can also focus on a full MA/MS that consists of a minimum of 54 credit hours.
school overview
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Students at California State University-Dominguez Hills can explore a Master of Arts in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding. Students will learn how to resolve and manage conflicts as they apply to various situations, including HR, counseling, policy work, litigation, and more. Online courses are available to complete the master’s program. Students can finish the program in less than 2 years (6 semesters to be exact). The university also offers an undergraduate program on campus and a post-masters certificate.
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University of Oregon
Within the School of Law at the University of Oregon, students can enroll in the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Master’s Program. The program is considered intimate and intense and is identified as one of the top-ranked programs in the country. Students will engage in the core curriculum and have access to a diverse course catalog. Practical experience will include the requirement of at least one internship.
school overview
Salisbury University
Students at Salisbury University can earn a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution. The graduate program is intense, offering students a way to understand conflicts and how to provide resolutions in a variety of settings. Many students will choose a double major, where they will focus on such things as Environmental Studies, Management, International Studies, Communication Arts, or something else. At SU, students are also encouraged to focus on real-world experience through internships and accessing the many student organizations on campus.
school overview
Columbia University
Columbia University offers one of the most comprehensive programs in Negotiation & Conflict Management. The master’s degree program is part of the School of Professional Studies. Students in the program will develop self-awareness and tenacity. There is flexibility in the courses to ensure that career-changing professionals and students alike can take advantage of the program. The time-commitment for the MS degree is 16 to 21 months.
school overview
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
At the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, students can earn a Master of Arts in Peace & Conflict Studies. Various options exist, including part-time and full-time programs. Additionally, students can choose to take a BA to MA path, making it easy to graduate with an MA at the same time as earning a BA. Students will learn about the many causes of conflict and the methods in which to build peace. Additionally, the program is affiliated with the Peace and Conflict Studies Institute, where internationally renowned peace scholars are invited regularly to speak.
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Creighton University
A Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution is available at Creighton University. The university’s graduate school provides the knowledge to work in various industries, including legal, education, business, and ministry. The master’s program offers a significant amount of flexibility, complete with online courses. Students will need to have a bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling along with letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
school overview
Fordham University
There is a Conflict Resolution and ADR program available at Fordham University. Students will learn about theory and casework while being given real-world practice. The program offers an annual symposium for students to learn about domestic and international issues regarding dispute resolution. Within the School of Law, students can choose from a wide array of courses while earning their MA.
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Pepperdine University
At the Caruso School of Law at Pepperdine University, students can enter the Master of Dispute Resolution program. The program is offered at the Malibu campus as well as online, providing flexibility for students. A total of 32 credits are within the program, which will take two semesters to complete. Students can earn the degree whether they are seeking a law career or not. 100% of students are considered for scholarships. Additionally, the school offers over 50 dispute resolution courses.
school overview
University of Baltimore
An MS in Negotiations and Conflict Management is available at the University of Baltimore. The program is housed within the College of Public Affairs. Students will need to complete a total of 36 credit hours, which covers a range of interdisciplinary perspectives. Students can also choose to earn a dual degree of JD/MS in Negotiations and Conflict Management, providing more opportunities when entering law school. A capstone internship experience is also incorporated into the program.
school overview
University of San Diego
There are a few degree programs for students to consider at the University of San Diego. Within the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, students can explore an MS in Conflict Management and Resolution (CMR). Additionally, there’s an MA in Social Innovation and an MA in Peace and Justice. This provides an array of courses to choose from in order to provide a well-rounded education. The MS in CMR can take 15 months to complete, though there are part-time and accelerated programs available, too.
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Norwich University
At Norwich University, there are various degree programs to consider for students who want to pursue a career in dispute resolution. A BS in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis can be earned. Additionally, an MA in International Relations is also available. It allows students to explore a variety of career paths. Many of the programs will accept transfer credits, and there is no need to complete the GRE or GMAT, making it easier to gain acceptance into one of the programs.
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University of Notre Dame
Within the Keough School of Global Affairs, students can enroll in the Mediation Program at the University of Notre Dame. The program focuses on mediation, training, policy, and practice. Students will learn about such things as preventive diplomacy and peacemaking. Many students will choose to major or minor in Peace Studies – and with a vast catalog of courses, students can choose to mold their education for any industry.
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Brandeis University
At Brandeis University, students can earn a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence. Students are taught to become peacebuilding practitioners throughout the program, gaining tools and perspectives to handle various conflicts. The program takes 16 months to complete, and students are encouraged to participate in such things as research institutes and community projects.
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Georgetown University
An MA in Conflict Resolution is available within the Department of Government at Georgetown University. The program features a core curriculum that is rigorous and taught by top practitioners in the fields of negotiation, mediation, and more. Students will learn how to commit to social justice on local, national, and global levels. Various opportunities exist, including workshops, seminars, and internships, too.
school overview
Our Ranking Methodology
The way in which the schools have been ranked is based on tuition and enrollment. Schools with more affordable tuitions receive a higher score because it makes it easier to enroll without worrying about acquiring student loan debt. Schools with higher enrollment numbers receive a higher score because there are more programs and campus activities available. Both scores are added to allow us to rank the schools in an effective way.
The tuition cost per year is based on a bachelor’s degree. While some programs may be for a master’s or doctorate program, the master’s degree makes it easier to compare the schools across the board. Further, the cost is based on tuition and fees only. Any costs for room and board or books have not been factored in. In-state tuition rates were used when applicable, and a full year (two semesters) is included in the provided numbers.
Notice an Error?
We are always eager to use the most accurate information when providing data to potential students. Should you notice an error in any of our ranking data, please contact us. Once we have verified the new data, we’ll make the necessary adjustments.
Have you thought about earning a degree in negotiations and conflict? Allow us to help you with the search to find a school that meets your needs.
